Friday, January 27, 2012

Paw Prints in the Snow

Last week I was reminded about perspective.

For the last three years, right around this time of year (just before Christmas or just after Christmas), we seem to get hit over the head with an unexpected  something or other (for lack of a better term.  I am about to have a cup of tea and am hoping I may be able to think of a better word in about 10 minutes.).  Leaky roof.  Leaky septic tank.  Leaky car.  It reminds me of opening the back door yesterday morning and finding a dead mouse on the steps, left there by my favourite feline companion.  I know I should dispose of it but honestly, I just want to step over it and hope that it removes itself.


Mike and I balance each other well and while he has bemoaned each situation, I have been able to pronounce the merits of being able to do a load of laundry without creating a puddle in the backyard, for instance.  This year, however, was the proverbial "straw that broke the camel's back".  "Really?!  Again?  Why us?"  I was right there with Mike, shaking my fist at the world and the beginning of the year.

Then I happened to be talking to a good friend and suddenly everything was put into perspective.  We love our house with all its creaks and cracks. It is our home.  Our kitchen is a bright and busy area of our home.  We eat well and we eat often.  Most importantly, we have each other.  I couldn't think of any other people I would rather spend my days and nights with.  We are happy and we are healthy.  The boys are healthy.  When put into perspective, that straw is exactly that.  A straw.



So while sometimes I find a dead mouse at the back door, other times my favourite feline companion will leave paw prints in the snow for me. And coming upon a good paw print?  Well, you can't help but stop and admire it, even if there is a dead mouse beside your foot.

10 comments:

  1. I do not have a profound comment, just know that I am smiling and nodding me head in agreement.

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  2. Lovely post... i adore cat prints as well... xoxo Jen

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  3. fabulous, heart warming and a gentle reminder to not overlook the best things in our lives when the little things trip us up (including dead mice!)

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  4. your cat is sweet. wishing you a really good day!

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  5. Lol...I remember those days well when we used to have cats!!

    Lovely post!
    Happy Weekend!!

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  6. those are lovely prints. and i do believe a dead mouse is one of the greatest offerings of love your feline companion can give up to you. but, i do hope everything is okay whatever came your way... it's always good to have perspective on the bright side of life though.

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  7. how nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    Happy week!!!

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  8. Better that dead mouse outside then inside! :) I hope all is better. Perspective is worth its weight in gold. I spent yesterday afternoon at a public review of social assistance, and of course, I left feeling insanely fortunate. I think I was whining about paying the parking meter only ten minutes before. :)

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  9. I know exactly what you mean. At this time of year I am usually tackling finances and have a tough time with yet another year of postponing remodeling the house. But then I have to tick off all those good things about our house and the many, many comforts we have and the good health we enjoy. A HAPPY 2012 to you and your family!

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  10. What a picture. Interestingly, I'm not a fan of cats (achoo!). However, your photo provided a perspective of beauty on one of these meowing creatures, similar to your perspective on perspective. Wise and wonderful. Thank you.

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